The BBC has reassured viewers that the story of Call the Midwife is far from over, even after the devastating final episode of series 15 left audiences in tears.
Sunday night’s finale delivered one of the most emotional moments in the show’s history as beloved character Sister Monica Joan, played by Judy Parfitt, died following a diagnosis of kidney failure. The moving farewell marked the end of an era for the long-running drama, which has been a staple of British television for more than a decade.
In the heartbreaking episode, Sister Monica Joan chose to stop taking her medication as her chronic kidney disease worsened. As her final moments approached, viewers were treated to a poignant scene in which the spirit of her late friend Sister Evangelina — played by Pam Ferris — appeared to gently guide her into the afterlife. The touching sequence also featured other departed nuns, creating a powerful farewell that left fans across the UK sobbing.
The episode also hinted at uncertain times for Nonnatus House. In the final scenes, the clinic’s door displayed a sign reading “temporarily closed,” reflecting ongoing concerns after the council decided to shut the facility down.
Following the emotional ending, many viewers began wondering whether the series itself had reached its conclusion. But the BBC quickly delivered reassuring news.
During the closing credits, a voiceover declared: “All is not lost! Call the Midwife returns with a new prequel series later in the year.”
The announcement sparked excitement among fans on social media. One viewer wrote: “The prequel series is coming out this year!!! That’s a small win for everyone sobbing right now #callthemidwife.” Another added: “YAYYYYYYY THE PREQUEL IS AT LEAST OUT THIS YEAR #callthemidwife,” while a third commented: “So a prequel later in the year. Interesting #callthemidwife.”
Instead of the show’s usual Christmas special, the upcoming prequel will air on Christmas Day this year. The story will take viewers back to the 1940s and focus on younger versions of Sister Monica Joan, Sister Julienne — portrayed in the main series by Jenny Agutter — and Sister Evangelina.
There is even more for fans to look forward to. A Call the Midwife film is already in development, with plans to set the story in the Commonwealth — likely Australia — in 1972.
The possibility of an overseas storyline was subtly teased in the series 15 finale when Sister Julienne revealed that the nuns could soon be sent on medical missions abroad, including one assignment in a remote region of Australia.
Meanwhile, the BBC has already confirmed that the drama will return for series 16, though viewers may have to wait longer than usual. Traditionally, new seasons premiere in early January, but the show will take a hiatus this time, meaning the next chapter won’t arrive on its normal schedule.
Creator Heidi Thomas previously explained that the demanding production schedule played a role in the pause. She told Radio Times that the team has made 15 series in 15 years and that pace cannot continue forever, noting that the sets need repair, the nuns’ habits are worn out, and each season takes around 14 months to produce.
While Sister Monica Joan’s farewell has left a lasting emotional mark, the BBC’s update makes it clear that the world of Nonnatus House still has many stories left to tell.
